Melvin

The surname Melvin has its origins in Britain and is of Old English and Scottish Gaelic descent. It is derived from the given name "Malvain", which combines the elements "mal", meaning "discourse" or "assembly", and "fain", meaning "happy" or "joyful". This reflects a likely connection to a cheerful or sociable individual in ancestral times.

The Melvin surname is found in various regions across the United Kingdom, with a significant concentration in Scotland, particularly in Aberdeenshire and Banffshire. The name has also spread to other parts of the British Isles and beyond, owing to historical migrations and dispersals of individuals bearing this surname.

Throughout the centuries, the Melvin family has been associated with various occupations and activities, including agriculture, trade, and skilled crafts. The name has been documented in historical records, such as census documents, parish registers, and heraldic archives, providing insights into the lives and movements of those who bore this surname.

In modern times, individuals bearing the surname Melvin can be found in diverse professions and walks of life, contributing to the cultural tapestry of Britain and beyond. The name continues to be passed down through generations, maintaining a link to its ancestral roots while evolving within contemporary society.

Overall, the surname Melvin represents a longstanding part of British heritage, embodying a legacy of resilience, adaptability, and interconnectedness within the broader fabric of the nation's history.

There are approximately 3,976 people named Melvin in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,355th most common surname in Britain. Around 61 in a million people in Britain are named Melvin.

Surname type: From given name or forename

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Scotland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Robert
  • Thomas
  • William

Female

  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Jacqueline
  • Jane
  • Karen
  • Linda
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.